This study outlines a method for inducing cardiac arrhythmia in a healthy experimental rabbit while monitoring neurological and cardiorespiratory functions. The protocol includes the use of EEG, ECG, oximeter, and capnograph to collect vital data during the experiment.
Begin with a healthy experimental rabbit placed in a restrainer. Connect the electroencephalogram or EEG electrodes over the rabbit's scalp to record real-time brain activity. Similarly, connect electrocardiogram or ECG electrodes over the rabbit's chest and limbs to record heart functioning.
Next, attach an oximeter over the rabbit's ear and a capnograph mask over its nose and mouth. The oximeter and capnograph help monitor oxygen saturation levels and breathing patterns, respectively.
Now, take an oral syringe containing animal feed supplemented with an arrhythmia-inducing drug. Remove the capnograph mask and inject the feed into the rabbit's mouth. Then, reposition the mask. Allow the drug to circulate into the rabbit's body for an optimum duration.
The drug molecules bind to specialized potassium channels in the heart and restrict the passage of potassium ions. This results in an extended interval between heart contraction and relaxation, leading to cardiac arrhythmia. Subsequently, monitor the vital parameters for neurological and cardiorespiratory functions.
Record a prolonged QT variant for arrhythmia in ECG, coinciding seizure waves in EEG, abnormal oxygen saturation levels in oximeter, and irregular breathing patterns in capnograph.
Before administering the medication, collect 10 to 20 minutes of baseline EEG-ECG-video from the untreated rabbit as demonstrated. For the oral administration of a medication of interest, mix 0.3 milligrams per kilogram of the drug of interest in three milliliters of food-grade applesauce and load the mixture into a three-milliliter oral syringe.
Gently lifting the upper lip of the rabbit, slide the tip of the syringe into the side of the mouth that is unobstructed by the rabbit's teeth, and inject the entire volume of drug-supplemented applesauce into the rabbit's mouth. Then, collect two hours of EEG-ECG-video data before returning the rabbit to its home cage for routine care.
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